Question 1

Why is it un millier for 'about a thousand' instead of using the -aine suffix like une centaine?

Accepted Answer

Un millier is a major exception to the rule! While most numbers add the suffix -aine to form a feminine noun meaning 'about [number]' (like une vingtaine or une centaine), the number 1000 instead turns into un millier, which is masculine.

Question 2

Why is there a de before projets? Wouldn't une centaine projets work?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely need the de. Unlike exact numbers such as cent (one hundred) or mille (one thousand), approximative words like une centaine and un millier act as regular nouns. Just like in English you would say 'a group of projects', in French you must connect the two nouns with de to say une centaine de projets.

Question 3

In negative sentences, doesn't un or une usually change to de? Why is it ce n'est pas une centaine here?

Accepted Answer

You are remembering a great rule: indefinite articles (un, une, des) normally change to de after a negative. However, this rule does not apply when the verb is être (to be). Since the verb in this sentence is est (inside ce n'est pas), the article une is protected and stays exactly as it is.

Question 4

Why does the sentence use c'est and ce n'est pas instead of il est and il n'est pas?

Accepted Answer

We use c'est (and its negative form) because it is followed by a noun that has an article in front of it (une centaine, un millier). You typically only use il est when describing someone or something with a lone adjective, or a profession without an article.

Ce n'est pas une centaine de projets, c'est un millier !

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